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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Billings
A building permit is required for almost any type of construction on private property, including: new construction, additions, remodels, roofing, siding, decks, garages, fences exceeding 8 feet in height, retaining walls over 4 feet, and parking lots.
Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet
Painting and wallpapering
Interior finish work (non-structural)
Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures
Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance)
- Exempt Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Painting and wallpapering
- Exempt Interior finish work (non-structural)
- Exempt Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures
- Exempt Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance)
Required documents
- Building Permit Application
- Site plan showing property lines and building locations
- Dimensioned floor plan
- Cross-section drawings from footing to roof
- Elevation drawings
- Roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed when required)
- Insulation R-values
- Trade submittals for mechanical/plumbing/electrical as applicable
- Commercial projects require additional checklists
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code (chapters 11-14 and 16-43 deleted, chapter 15 adopted as alternative to IMC for certain residential uses); 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2021 NFPA 99c (medical gas). All codes modified by Administrative Rules of Montana. Adopted per Administrative Order #150 (September 1, 2022).
- Permit validity
- Contact Building Division at (406) 657-8270 for current expiration policy.
- Owner-builder
- Owner is responsible for obtaining permits. Owner may designate a contractor to obtain permits. Homeowner Electrical Acknowledgment form available for owner-performed electrical work.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid Montana DLI registration (required for any construction project over $2,500 in total contract value). Electrical and plumbing permits may only be issued to licensed electricians and licensed plumbers. City may require additional local registration for certain programs.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential single-family/duplex: 4-7 business days. Commercial minor: 2-4 weeks. Commercial major: 3-6 weeks.
- 01 Determine project type and whether a permit is required.
- 02 Create an account at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/ (PIN number issued upon plan submission and needed for inspection scheduling).
- 03 Prepare construction documents: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, cross-sections, elevations, roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required), insulation R-values, and any trade-specific submittals.
- 04 Submit plans electronically through the CityView portal or GoPost plan review system. Residential roofing, siding, windows, and doors may alternatively be submitted by email.
- 05 Pay applicable fees (plan review fee due at submission; permit fee due at issuance).
- 06 Await plan review. Reviewer may issue comment letters requiring revisions or additional information.
- 07 Address all comments and resubmit if required.
- 08 Permit is issued once review is complete and all fees are paid.
- 09 Post permit on job site and begin construction.
- 10 Schedule required inspections through the CityView portal or by calling (406) 657-8270 (minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections).
- 11 Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
Typical processing time: Residential single-family/duplex: 4-7 business days. Commercial minor: 2-4 weeks. Commercial major: 3-6 weeks.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective March 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
35% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per International Building Code Section 109.2 fee table. Updated fee schedule effective March 2026 -- example: residential home valued at $350,000 approximately $1,154; commercial project valued at $2.5 million approximately $8,246.
Plan review fee must be paid before issuance; full building permit fee also due before permit issued. Online payment available through CityView portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective March 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CityView portal (online)
- (406) 657-8270 (phone)
- permits@billingsmt.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours; contact Building Division for current inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation; framing; rough-in (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); insulation; final inspection (requires minimum 24-hour notice).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Billings permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Billings, MT? ▸
A building permit is required for almost any type of construction on private property, including: new construction, additions, remodels, roofing, siding, decks, garages, fences exceeding 8 feet in height, retaining walls over 4 feet, and parking lots.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Billings, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Billings, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per International Building Code Section 109.2 fee table. Updated fee schedule effective March 2026 -- example: residential home valued at $350,000 approximately $1,154; commercial project valued at $2.5 million approximately $8,246.. Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Billings, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Billings, MT, follow these steps: 1. Determine project type and whether a permit is required. 2. Create an account at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/ (PIN number issued upon plan submission and needed for inspection scheduling). 3. Prepare construction documents: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, cross-sections, elevations, roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required), insulation R-values, and any trade-specific submittals. 4. Submit plans electronically through the CityView portal or GoPost plan review system. Residential roofing, siding, windows, and doors may alternatively be submitted by email. 5. Pay applicable fees (plan review fee due at submission; permit fee due at issuance). 6. Await plan review. Reviewer may issue comment letters requiring revisions or additional information. 7. Address all comments and resubmit if required. 8. Permit is issued once review is complete and all fees are paid. 9. Post permit on job site and begin construction. 10. Schedule required inspections through the CityView portal or by calling (406) 657-8270 (minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections). 11. Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Billings, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Billings, MT typically run Residential single-family/duplex: 4-7 business days. Commercial minor: 2-4 weeks. Commercial major: 3-6 weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Billings, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Billings, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet; Painting and wallpapering; Interior finish work (non-structural); Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures; Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Billings, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Billings, MT via: CityView portal, (406) 657-8270, permits@billingsmt.gov. Minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections..
last verified March 2026
source City of Billings Building Division ↗
entry id permits/montana/yellowstone/billings
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Billings Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.